On the afternoon of February 26, 2013, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Ziyafat Asgarov, First Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan at the Great Hall of the People.

Jia extended welcome for Asgarov's visit to China. China and Azerbaijan have witnessed stable development in bilateral relations since forging diplomatic ties in 1992, said Jia. The two countries have deepened political mutual trust, increased friendly exchanges and conducted cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, communications and infrastructure construction with fruitful results. The two sides have also kept closer cultural exchanges and maintained communication and coordination in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, Jia said. China values its relations with Azerbaijan, respects the path of development chosen by the Azerbaijan people in accordance with their national conditions and would like to work with the country to boost bilateral relations, Jia said.

Jia said the CPPCC National Committee attaches importance to developing friendly exchanges and cooperation with the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. The CPPCC National Committee would like to promote multi-level and wide-ranging exchanges and cooperation with the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, learn from each other in participation in and discussion of state affairs and play a positive role in both developing bilateral relations and deepening understanding and friendship between both sides.

Asgarov said he admires China's economic and social progress and appreciates China's long-term support for Azerbaijan. Asgarov said Azerbaijan values its ties with China, deems China its trustworthy friend and would like to work with the country to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and push forward the ties. Asgarov also underscored the Azerbaijan National Assembly's commitment to developing bilateral friendship.